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Nutrition Before Cancer Treatment Begins

Nutrition and cancer

It is very important to maintain proper nutrition before, during, and after cancer treatment. Such treatments may involve radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, biological immunotherapy, and/or surgery. These procedures and medications can cause many individuals to lose their appetite and energy, putting them at an increased risk for malnutrition.

Your food choices when you have cancer and are undergoing treatment may be very different from what you are used to eating. The main goal is to try to keep your weight constant. In order to minimize weight changes, heal properly, and maintain the energy to cope with all the new challenges treatment may bring, you may be told to eat a wide variety of high-calorie and high-protein foods, including the following:

Milk, cream, and cheese

Cooked eggs

Sauces and gravies

Butter, margarine, and oil

Sometimes, the recommendations given to you detailing what you should eat during your treatment will seem like the opposite of what you have always heard a healthy diet should include. However, following a high-calorie, high-protein diet may be encouraged, especially if you are feeling weak or are underweight. It can be a challenge to get enough nutrients because you may not feel well or may not feel like eating. Proper attention to nutrition can assist in an easier recovery.

Before cancer treatment begins

Eating well before cancer treatment begins may help to increase your energy and improve your sleeping patterns. To prepare yourself and your home for your nutritional needs during cancer therapy, consider the following suggestions:

Stock the refrigerator with plenty of your favorite foods so that you will not have to shop as often. Make sure these are foods you can eat when you are not feeling well.

Cook large portions of your favorite dishes in advance and freeze them in meal-sized portions.

To save your energy, buy foods that are easy to prepare, such as peanut butter, pudding, frozen dinners, soup, canned fish or chicken, cheese, and eggs.

Ask family and friends to help you cook and shop.

Talk to a registered dietitian about meal planning, grocery shopping, and reducing side effects of treatment, such as nausea and diarrhea.

Talk to your doctor or registered dietitian about whether you should take a multivitamin.

By planning ahead, you will have foods on hand that you like to eat, which will benefit you later. You will have good things to choose from in your kitchen, even if you do not feel well enough to prepare an elaborate meal. You may also come to think differently about your weight. If you have been concerned in the past about weight gain, your focus will likely change to eating enough to keep your weight constant.

Before treatment begins, cancer itself can cause problems that may result in eating problems or weight loss. It is not uncommon to have lactose intolerance (intolerance to milk sugar), nausea, vomiting, poor digestion, or a feeling of early fullness, sleepiness, and forgetfulness even before treatment for cancer.

What is lactose intolerance?

Lactose intolerance is a condition in which your body cannot digest or absorb the milk sugar called lactose. This is usually due to the lack of an enzyme, called lactase, that helps to break down lactose so the body can digest it. Individuals with cancer often have lactose intolerance. Symptoms include diarrhea, gas, bloating, and stomach pain or cramps.

Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, and sherbet, contain lactose. Certain prepared foods have dairy products in them that also contain lactose. Many other foods may also have hidden sources of lactose. Check the labels of products to determine if they contain milk, milk by-products, or lactose. Look for terms such as:

Milk

Milk solids

Skim milk powder

Cream

Buttermilk

Malted milk

Whey lactose

Curds

Margarine

Dry milk solids

Nonfat dry milk

These foods contain lactose and you should monitor your tolerance to them. Some foods that may have hidden sources of lactose include:

Breads

Candy

Cookies

Cold cuts and bologna

Hot dogs

Sauces, gravies, and salad dressings

Cream soup

Dessert mixes

Frostings

Chocolate drink mixes

Many individuals with lactose intolerance do not have to eliminate lactose-containing foods entirely from their diet because they produce small amounts of lactase. Lactose levels vary in foods. Hard cheeses and yogurt have the least amount of lactose. Learn how much lactose you can tolerate by trying one-fourth cup of milk and gradually increasing your intake. Because lactose intolerance is not an allergy, there are no long-term health problems if lactose is accidentally ingested by an individual. Symptoms will subside as the lactose moves through the digestive system.

You may have to substitute other things for the dairy products you are used to eating. It is important to add other sources of calcium when foods containing lactose are omitted from your diet. You may also wish to try Lactaid milk that has had the lactose reduced or removed. Your physician or registered dietitian can provide more information about this product.

The U.S. Dietary Reference Intake for calcium is 1,000 milligrams (mg) per day for adults ages 50 and under. For women over the age of 50 and men over the age of 70, the recommendation increases to 1,200 milligrams of calcium per day. If you are not using milk or milk products, you may not be getting the appropriate amount of calcium needed to build and maintain strong bones and teeth. The following foods are good sources of calcium (a registered dietitian can also provide additional suggestions):

100-200 mg of calcium

2/3 cup broccoli

1/2 cup okra

5 oz. shrimp

200-300 mg of calcium

2 oz. canned sardines

1/2 cup turnip greens, kale, or collards

1/2 cup tofu

1 1/2 cups dried beans

300-400 mg of calcium

4 oz. canned salmon

1 cup calcium fortified orange juice

1/4 cup almonds

1 cup yogurt

Staying active during cancer treatment

Cancer treatment may cause fatigue, which is not likely to inspire you to begin a new exercise program. Light, daily exercise before you start to feel tired will make it easier for you to continue regular daily physical activity after your treatment begins.

Once you begin treatment, light, regular physical activity is very good for you. It will improve your appetite, stimulate digestion, prevent constipation, and provide additional energy. Physical activity will also help decrease stress, improve mood, and maintain muscle tone. Always consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program.